Peony and Small Bird《牡丹小鸟图轴》

Wang Zhen (1866–1938)
Wang Zhen, courtesy name Yiting, pseudonym Bailong Shanren, was a renowned painter, calligrapher, businessman, and philanthropist from Wuxing (present-day Huzhou), Zhejiang, who resided in Shanghai. In his early years, he studied under Xu Xiaocang and Ren Yi. Later, he developed a close relationship with Wu Changshuo, forming a bond between teacher and friend and achieving equal fame in the Shanghai art scene. Before the age of forty, his style and subjects closely followed Ren Yi. After the age of forty-six, his style shifted towards Wu Changshuo. In his later years, his works combined the essence of Ren Yi and Wu Changshuo, mainly following Wu’s style while retaining Ren’s elegant charm, which was highly commendable. He excelled in expressive painting, particularly in figures, Buddhas, and flowers and birds, which were highly valued.

“Peony and Small Bird” (1924)
This work, created when Wang Zhen was fifty-nine, showcases his mature and refined brushwork. The bold and swift strokes, combined with a rustic charm and vibrant colors, embody an ancient elegance within a strong epigraphic feel, yet retain a refined and elegant touch. The inscription reads: “The fragrant name competes for the title of the king of flowers, even surpassing the embroidered curtains of Chang’an. Great wealth and longevity, envied by the world like Guo Fenyang. Early summer of the Jiazi year, by Bailong Shanren Wang Zhen at Haiyun Tower.” The seals read “Wang Zhen Dali” and “Yiting,” with the square seal “Ziyuan” at the lower right.

王震（1866—1938），字一亭，别号白龙山人，著名书画家、实业家、慈善家，浙江吴兴（今湖州）人，寓居上海。早年曾拜徐小仓、任颐为师，后与吴昌硕关系极密，谊在师友之间，齐名于上海艺林。四十岁前学习任颐画法，作品题材与风格同任氏相似。四十六岁以后画风转向吴昌硕。六十岁后的作品，熔任颐与吴昌硕为一炉，虽与吴氏为主调，然仍保留着任氏清隽的意味，难能可贵。画作长于写意，善人物、佛像、花鸟，为世人所重。

此作是他59岁所作，近乎晚年，笔墨已炉火纯青，粗枝大叶，草草点染而意趣自足，赋色古艳，在浓厚的金石意味中又不失清隽典雅，为其心手双畅之作。款题：“芳名竞占百花王，更见长安练绣张。大富贵兼曰寿考，人间羡煞郭汾阳。甲子夏初，白龙山人王震写于海云楼。”款下铃白文“王震大利”、朱文“一亭”二印。右下角铃朱文“梓园”方印。